One quick scroll through our list of Christchurch restaurants and you’ll see picking somewhere to eat is going to be no easy task.
Christchurch chefs and hospitality staff are at the forefront of a changing and growing city that has put the palates of the people at the top of its ‘must impress’ list. Sitting in for a meal at Christchurch restaurants can be romantic, interactive, lively, serene or simply a food experience like you’ve never had before.
Depending on your tastes and eating requirements you may be thinking Christchurch eateries just can’t possibly cater for you, but if there’s one city that’s created its restaurant scene around new types of eaters, Christchurch is it.
A much-welcomed change in the times means Canterbury eateries are no longer content with serving up the classic meat and three vege, and instead offer any range of vegetarian, vegan or boundary-pushing new meals that are designed to get people talking. Vegans and vegetarians are in good hands here, where restaurants have recognised the growing number of empathetic eaters and designed some super tasty options for those who go without animal products.
Wanting somewhere to fit a whole table of fine folks? Christchurch restaurants are nothing short of gracious when it comes to hosting big tables of fun friends, and whether you’re celebrating a birthday, commiserating a loss, or getting together before an event - the waitstaff here will look after you as they would guests in their own home (the bonus here is that food comes to you and you needn’t even get out of your seat).
Best of 2024: New & Neat Eats in Ōtautahi Christchurch
Restaurant O.G.B
If you’re searching for a taste of London cool meets Mediterranean vibes in the heart of Christchurch city, Restaurant O.G.B is the answer.
Vesuvio
Walking or driving down an ever-busy Papanui Road in Christchurch, you might be surprised that a sophisticated slice of Europe can be found only metres away at Vesuvio.
The Crossing
The Crossing is one of Christchurch’s greatest accomplishments post-earthquakes and has become the city centre’s premium shopping destination.
Bomba
Bomba on Lyttelton’s bustling London Street celebrates two of Italy’s greatest gifts to the culinary world… pizza and gelato.
Brewda
Looking to wow your tastebuds and discover your new favourite watering hole in Christchurch? May we present Brewda, located in The Terrace Courtyard, a bar and eatery that...
Lillies
An ethereal green glow emanates from the windows of what looks to be another garage workshop in Christchurch's industrial neighbourhood of Phillipstown.
Montreal Bar and Restaurant
While most hotel bars and restaurants are often only frequented by out-of-towners, we’ve found the exception – and it’s a very stylish one.
Inati
Prepare to be wowed by the thoughtful and beautifully executed Inati.
Victoria Free House
A British-style pub, Victoria Free House is a slice of the old world in the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch.
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Bar Yoku
The ultimate izakaya experience in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Bar Yoku is something special.
Tanoshi
Tanoshi has made a name for itself in Queenstown with three popular sites, each with a slightly different focus. But its Christchurch restaurant is a fusion of them all.
The Rabbit, Ashburton
The Rabbit is an exciting eatery in the heart of The Triangle in Ashburton.
Cleavers Corner, Ashburton
Cleavers Corner is the locals' go-to in Ashburton.
Smoke Restaurant, Ashburton
Ashburton's Smoke restaurant is a carnivore's haven specialising in American low and slow barbeque.
Little River Inn
Surrounded by 360-degree views of rolling tussock hills, Little River Inn is a place for locals to gather, clink glasses and look out the window to remind themselves how...
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Kokomo
Kokomo brings a modern coastal dining experience to Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Rascal
Located in the heart of the CBD on Christchurch’s High Street, Rascal is a modern bistro offering innovative food and exceptional cocktails.
The Church Pub
The Church on the corner of Manchester and Worcester Streets in the heart of the city is a cornerstone of Christchurch hospitality.
LONDO
Good things come in small packages, and Londo is a prime example of that age old proverb.
The Lane
Tucked next door to the Sudima Christchurch city hotel on Salisbury Street, The Lane is so much more than a hotel restaurant.
The Little High Eatery
A collection of eateries housed in an open space building, Little High is more than your typical food cooperative.
Muy Muy
Muy Muy breathes a breath of warm Central American air to the edge of Christchurch's CBD.
Francesca's Italian Kitchen Christchurch
A big ol’ slice of authentic, rustic Italian cuisine in the heart of Christchurch.
Westend Stories Café & Eatery
Westend Stories is a green oasis for those looking to temporarily escape the confines of their workplace.
Dine Out on the Neat Places’ Team's Restaurant Picks
La Luna
A café by day, an a la carte restaurant by night, La Luna Eatery & Bar located in the heart of Rangiora, carries out each of its roles effortlessly.
Mapu
Hidden down a small lane on Lyttelton's main drag, you'll find one of Christchurch's best-kept dining secrets. There is no signage, no walk-ins, no hours and no menu.
Gatherings
Living in harmony with the seasons has many benefits, and dining at Gatherings is undoubtedly one of them.
Odeon
Take one of Christchurch’s best chefs and his wealth of international experience, add his Andalusian-inspired dishes to an epic and interesting wine list, and top it all off with a sumptuous, luxe decor and you get Odeon.
Kinji
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with Irasshaimase, a traditional Japanese welcome, and immediately feel transported to another continent. If you’re after an authentic Japanese dining experience with truly exceptional cuisine then you need to book a table at Kinji and do it soon.
Zeek's
Everyone deserves a good lunch, and you’ll get a great one at Zeek’s. Fresh, fast and super tasty is the name of the game.
Best of 2023: The Neatest Newcomers of Christchurch’s Food Scene
Downstairs Bar
What do you get when you marry the cosy vibes of an intimate pub with the sophistication of an inner city wine bar? You end up with the best of both worlds and the result is Downstairs on New Regent Street.
Black Burger
Found in the heart of the hustle and bustle of Christchurch's Riverside Market, is the small but perfectly primed kitchen that Black Burger calls home.
Three Donkeys
Located in the heart of New Brighton, Three Donkeys is a small restaurant focused on an authentic yet elegantly modern take on Indian and Japanese cuisine.
The Old Vicarage
The Old Vicarage is exactly that, the former home of the Vicars from St Mary’s Church in Halswell.
Tussock Hill Vineyard
The long and winding road up to Tussock Hill Vineyard & Cellar Door is as inconspicuous as it is rewarding.
The Mediterranean Food Company
Down the industrial eastern end of Tuam Street in an old brickery is a secluded slice of Italy.
Soul Quarter
Soul Quarter captures the essence of a contemporary brasserie – great service, simple and seasonal dishes, and a splash of how you say, je ne sais quoi.
Pizza Trap
Pizza Trap is a collaboration between the person behind Alligator Pizza and Space Academy, serving up neo-neapolitan pizzas with quality ingredients on hand-thrown, sourdough bases.
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Tramway Restaurant
The Tramway Restaurant is somewhat of a moving Christchurch institution. Most of us have seen it roll past us lit up with warm lighting, filled with happy diners waving at passers by.
Arbour Woodfire Pizza
A standout eatery where you can expect to find perfectly charred pizzas and a plant-filled atmosphere.
El Quincho
For a taste of Argentina, head to El Quincho at Riverside Market.
Riccarton Noodle House
For a flavoursome lunch on the run, a family get together and a few hot brothy bowls that’ll leave you wanting more head to Riccarton Noodle House.
Greystone Wines
A day exploring the magic being made by Greystone Wines in Waipara is a day well spent.
Midnight Shanghai
Midnight Shanghai offers Christchurch elevated, modern Chinese fare with karaoke, handcrafted cocktails and a menu designed for sharing.
The Recipe for a Neighbourhood Institution with Sarah Freeman of The Birdwood
Ramen Ria
Ramen Ria has all of the flavour and fun that can be found in some of Tokyo’s most well known, yet tucked away ramen joints.
The Welder
The Welder is a unique health and wellbeing centre in stunningly repurposed buildings in the heart of South Town.
Evil Genius
Evil Genius Bar, Restaurant & Lair is a destination you need to get to know. Open from dawn ‘til way past dusk, it has everything from coffee to cocktails.
The Burger Joint
The Burger Joint has an ethos that is plain and simple – and pretty hard to miss, with it boldly printed across the entranceway: Real Food, Real Local.
Miss Peppercorn
Miss Peppercorn is a modern eatery, celebrating the fragrant and mouth-numbing flavours of the owner's hometown in the Chinese province of Sichuan.
Earl
Earl is a local for inner-city residents and workers, bringing a breath of European bistro culture to central Christchurch.
Dux Central
If bars could be left or right handed, Dux Central would be ambidextrous. There’s nothing this place can’t be.
Dux Dine
Dux Dine is one of those rare gems where anyone and everyone has a place at the table, in a cosy, home-like atmosphere.
Smokey T's
Expect the softest, juiciest slow cooked meat you’ve ever tasted at Smokey T's.
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The Birdwood
Much-loved neighbourhood cafe by day, knock-out contemporary Italian eatery by night – The Birdwood might just be the dream local hospo joint.
SUPER
Lyttelton’s Asian-fusion eatery, SUPER, is nothing short of what the name suggests.
Bessie
Dark, a little brooding and faultless in its theme, Bessie is an immaculate display of fine dining in the inner city.
Tomi Japanese Restaurant
Serving authentic Japanese cuisine, Tomi is most famous for their sashimi sourced from the local fish market.
Ōtoromiro Hotel
Perched at its grand position on a hillside at the end of Te Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour, the historical Ōtoromiro Hotel offers hard-to-beat views, friendly service and...
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Pomeroy's Old Brewery Inn
Pomeroy’s has been the catalyst of the Christchurch craft beer scene for years, with its ever-changing blackboard showcasing over 31 beers.
Twenty Seven Steps
An effortless combination of old and new, Twenty Seven Steps is a modern and sophisticated restaurant on New Regent Street.
Black Estate
A winery, tasting room and restaurant, Black Estate is famous not only for its organic and biodynamic wines but its refreshing approach to food.
Boo's
Inventive in its approach to dining, Boo's draws from the savant of comfort food: Southern American cuisine.
The Tannery
Prepared to be wowed by the sophisticated one-stop-shop that is The Tannery.
Fiddlesticks
With a focus on modern New Zealand cuisine where presentation is key, there are plenty of creative menu choices from breakfast through to dessert.
